A Loving Father

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ so they began to celebrate.” - Luke 15:22-24


Have you ever heard the story of the Prodigal Son? It is a popular story of a boy who impatiently wants his inheritance now instead of waiting. His father grants his wish, only to find the boy leaving and going off with it. The boy quickly squanders all his fortunes and is forced to work a lowly job in which he does not have food to eat.

Hungry and homeless, the boy returns to his father intending to just ask to work for him. The father jumps up to meet him and spoils the son with fresh clothes and his best food. His brother, who had not squandered his inheritance, becomes frustrated at how the father treats the boy. He cannot believe his father is treating his son who left him this way.

The story symbolizes a relationship we know all too well. In our relationship with God, we are the son who leaves off, thinking we have everything we need, thinking we have everything figured out. We go as if we no longer need God, only to return to Him in times of trouble. Like the story, God does not hold grudges. He is not looking to “even the score.”

God welcomes us back the same way the father in the story does, with open arms. He is excited we have returned to Him, and all He cares about is that we are back. Aren’t you thankful for a loving Father?

Yesterday we talked about getting another at-bat, and that is exactly what God wants to give us. He does not want to see us fail, even when we leave Him. He delights in us returning to Him, and He is ready to help us get back on track. It is not too late to return to your loving Father who is ready and waiting with open arms!